The resolutions that senior make may be different from those of younger people who make them, but seniors can plan ahead to make small changes that might improve their quality of life. Committing to eating better, staying positive, and spending more time with family and friends are frequently among the resolutions seniors make.
When a new year is in view, most people reflect on their well-being, hopes, and dreams for their lives. They may find themselves too fat, too isolated, too overworked, or too sedentary and resolve to do better in the next year.
There is no reason to wait until January 1, but setting a date has a physiological impact that urges people on – at least for a while.
What Are The Top 10 New Year Resolutions For Adults?
Many of us make New Year’s Resolutions that are pretty typical. Did you know that there is a lot of similarity in the resolutions most adults make? Here are the top 10 most common resolutions made by adults.
- Exercise More: Adding physical activity to your life has many health benefits, which is one reason it is a very common resolution.
- Lose Weight: Promising to drop a few pounds is perhaps the most common resolution. Taking in fewer calories and eating healthier are both very doable goals if you keep your expectations reasonable.
- Smarter Spending: Getting finances under control is another common theme in resolutions. Most of us spend money we do not necessarily need to, so paring down debt is an excellent idea as you head into a new year.
- Kick a Bad Habit: The list of bad habits people want to stop in a new year range from nail biting to not getting enough sleep or quitting smoking.
- Learn a Hobby: People vow to learn skills or take up things to help them be productive or get them out meeting people. It could be learning to knit or joining a book club.
- Get Organized: Does your household need some organizing? Another common wish people have is to get their life in order. Cleaning things out, sending unwanted items to a charity, or going through items you infrequently use are all steps toward better organization.
- Spend More Time With Family: Too often, we get wrapped up in the rat race of life and neglect to make time for family. This is why this is a common resolution.
- Travel More: Have you always wanted to travel? Perhaps 2023 is the year to make that happen. You would not be alone in that resolution.
- Less Technology: Breaking smartphone addiction is another very noble promise that people make. Deleting Unnecessary apps is one step to help you end the mindless scrolling.
- Alleviate Stress: It may seem like you can’t avoid having stress in your life, and while that may be true, you don’t have to hang onto it. Getting rid of stress is another common resolution that sometimes is tied to finding another job.
How Might These Differ From Resolutions Of Older Adults?
Senior adults may have different concerns than working-age people, so their resolutions might look a bit different. The main topics still center on becoming healthier through diet and exercise, changing one’s outlook on life, and maybe some circumstances.
For seniors beset with health problems, mobility issues, limited finances, and dwindling lifespan, the specific goals might be focused on health and attitude and are narrower in scope than earlier in life.
What Are Some New Year’s Resolutions For Seniors To Make?
Senior citizens can make resolutions that are better geared to them. Here are some examples:
1. Move More
Maybe in your 30s, you found yourself hitting up the gym regularly and entering 10K races. As you age, your resolution can be as simple as “move more.” Get yourself a smartwatch of some type and simply set a step goal for the day. Some watches remind you to stand up and move each hour just to keep you from being too sedentary.
2. Eat Better
Sure, you might want to lose weight, but perhaps a better priority is just to eat better. Eating more healthy foods such as lean meats, whole grains, and more fruits and veggies is an excellent start.
3. Hydrate
Most senior citizens don’t take in nearly enough water. A great goal is to drink more water or clear liquids. Just get some water bottles that have the ounces marked on them so you can keep track of what you drink.
4. Quit Smoking
If you are a smoker or use any form of nicotine, it is never too late to stop. Tobacco puts you at risk for cancer and can compromise treatment for common age-related diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and respiratory problem. It has even been linked with cognitive decline. Stopping smoking has beneficial health effects in as little as an hour.
5. Think More
Resolve to stimulate your brain. You can do crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, play board games, and get yourself thinking in many ways. These stay-sharp games you can play on your computer or with a phone app are all good for helping prevent memory loss.
6. Prioritize Mental Health
Even if your life is not as you’d like it to be, developing a more positive attitude may benefit you. It won’t change the reality that your health is declining, your finance are low, and the world is crazy, bYou don’t have to become a Pollyanna, but ut how you think about things makes a difference and make reality more bearable..
7. Schedule Regular Doctor Visits
Your resolution could be to make time and put energy into your overall health. Seeing a healthcare provider regularly, having routine screenings, and getting immunized are just a few ways to prioritize your health and wellness. These regular checkups can help you identify early signs of heart disease and keep high blood pressure at bay.
The Covid-19 pandemic is still raging, so keep current on your boosters, along with flu shots and other vaccine boosters you need periodically.
8. Lean Into Relationships
If you have a spouse or significant other in the picture, focus on making the best of the time you have together. FInd ways to keep in touch with old friends even if online. Hug your grandchildren and spend time with them to make memories.
How Can Seniors Resolve To Improve Their Health In The New Year?
Working on your physical health can have a major impact on life, which is why many new years resolutions for seniors center on related topics..
Fitness And Excercise Goals
Senior citizens can improve their health in many ways. The first is by getting regular exercise and movement. This can be walking, gardening, water aerobics or water walking, strength training, or any other activity.
Exercise should focus on aerobics, strength training, flexibility, and balance. Some energetic 80-year-olds are weightlifting hundreds of pounds to build muscle, but most anyone can use some small weights.
If you are nervous about getting started, consider finding a local gym with senior programming. If you are part of a senior living community, they may offer exercise opportunities.
Perhaps in your youth, you were an avid runner. If your body does not do well with that anymore, get active again with an exercise like walking or water aerobics. If you are wheelchair-bound, you might aspire to do some chair exercises and move what you can.
Food Management Goals
Preventing health problems can start with a proper diet, which is another great resolution for the new year. You should start with a diet of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
If you primarily ate red meat, potatoes, a vegetable, and bread all your life, you may need to rethink your menu. Making healthy New Year’s Resolutions may mean adopting the new food pyramid that includes eating smaller amount of proteins, including lean meats, and getting half of your daily food from fruits and veggies is quite a mindset shift.
Remember that your servings of veggies should make up half of your plate. Adequate hydration is very important for seniors. Eating well is a great way to improve your immune system, so get those vitamins and minerals through food!
If you like to snack, you should aim for fruit rather than cake or Greek yogurt rather than ice cream.
How Can Seniors Keep Upbeat To Meet The Challenges Of 2023?
Senior citizens often find themselves feeling dejected or lonely. One way to stay positive is to surround yourself with supportive people. This could be family members or friends who help you stay focused. Maybe you need to get out more or spend less time with someone who bogs you down. A therapist or support group might help you.
If you are feeling stressed, resolve to determine why. Is your living environment still working for you? If not, moving from independent senior living to assisted living or bringing in help for health care and errands might set your mind at rest.
Finding a new hobby can be a great outlet for people who are lonely or struggling to find meaning in their life. If you lack people to communicate with on a regular basis, you could find like-minded people on social media. Many groups are geared specifically toward seniors, whether you are seeking friendship or love.
If your loved one seems like they are struggling, don’t hesitate to try to help them find their niche somewhere or in something. Whether it is a church group, a workout facility, or a painting class, everyone needs a group of people they feel comfortable with.
Common resolutions for seniors include thinking positively, eating healthy, and engaging in more movement. How will you approach 2023?